When Lynn, my twin from a parallel universe, asked me to do a family mini session for her, I couldn't say no! In between nonstop laughter and play, we talked about our love of Eames furniture and how we even had the same exact bedframe from IKEA. Despite the late nights studying for grad school and the nonstop attention required for the kids, you could just tell how much love was in this small family of four with their new baby girl joining the family.

How many couples can say that they met when they were 10 years old? These two dated through high school and rekindled their romance at a wedding years later. Splitting time between the California and Oklahoma, they had one request for their engagement session - well, it wasn't actually their request, it was their daughter's. And that request was to end at the beach. So the day for their session arrives, and instead of the sunny day we expected, Karl the Fog made an appearance. But that didn't dampen their moods - together we adventured through the trees of Land's End, walked down Sutro Baths, and of course, ended at Ocean Beach where they ran into the ocean and enjoyed the view. Now that's an adventure!

Lessons learned: One year olds do not particularly like 60 degree weather. But with a quick deadline for Christmas cards and not exactly a lot of time to get a quick family session in, this beautiful multicultural family braved the wind chill for a golden hour session at a local park in San Jose. Though these might not scream holiday photos with Christmas trees, blankets, or string lights, I have to say that I don't quite mind it! So if anyone else wants to throw out tradition for a fun session that you can use year-round (this was also their annual family session), don't hesitate to hit me up!

When Yolanda and Brad asked me to photograph their new baby girl, I couldn't say no. These two had eloped in their beautiful home in an intimate ceremony with just their three children just a year ago. Though I don't typically photograph newborns, this family was just too adorable to resist (and I even got to meet their new puppy!)

​Cristina and Hector came back to the place where they were married to celebrate their anniversary! This sweet family climbed up and around the rocky shores for a short family and anniversary session at Asilomar State Beach.

Christina traveled all the way from Germany to be an au pair in the US, where she met the love of her life Chris here in San Jose. Married for 6 years with the most adorable child Cosmos, these two now work at the same company and travel around the world together. While my first love is always couples photography, I had the best time adventuring with this beautiful family - I could constantly hearing Cosmos' laughter as his papa picked him up and let him fly. And plus, who can say no to that cute face with the best boy bun!!

I had previously had the wonderful honor to work with Supriya and Mohit to plan their 20th anniversary (and Mohit's 50th birthday!) party, and loved getting to know this sweet family. We adventured to the outskirts of Cupertino to catch a bit of that golden hour before Zahn's bedtime!